Kimberly’s review of Surrender The Dark by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Surrender The Dark
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/08/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Jarrett McCullough values those bonds as seriously as he values his job heading a covert group of operatives skilled in handling sensitive international information. But his current mission has suddenly gone very wrong—and he finds himself wounded and near death in the last place he ever expected to be.

Rae Gannon is stunned to find her ex-boss bleeding from a gunshot wound, mere paces from her front door. It has been two years since her move to the remote Blue Ridge Mountains, where she tried to erase the memories and the pain she suffered from having been part of McCullough’s team. Yet as Rae tends to Jarrett’s battered body she realizes that the air between them is still sizzling with a slow-burning need. But this time there are more than just hearts at stake. The mission that almost got Jarrett killed threatens to put Rae back in harm’s way. And if they surrender to their desires, it may cost them their lives.

REVIEW:
This is a reprint of an earlier work from Donna Kauffman. As with all her books I enjoyed this one. The characters are interesting. The women in Kauffman’s Loveswept novels always prove to be independent and capable, yet, willing to find love. The men are dangerous and a diamond in the rough. This book was no different. This is the first in the Three Musketeers series. It is a good short read. Perfect for cuddling up in front of the fire or on a beach.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 26, 2012December 29, 2012

Kelly’s review of Last Kiss Goodnight by Gena Showalter

TITLE: Last Kiss Goodnight – Other World Assassin #1
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
Character: Soloman Judan & Vika Lukas
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/24/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The breathtaking first novel in New York Times best selling author Gena Showalter’s new paranormal romance series, Otherworld Assassins, featuring a black ops agent who is captured and enslaved…and the beautiful deaf girl who holds the key to his salvation…

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION…

Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.

THE ULTIMATE PRICE…

Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different—he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him…and he’ll be put to a killer test.

REVIEW:
I have not had the chance to read Gena’s Alien Huntress series yet, which Last Kiss Goodnight is a spin off of. I will say that I don’t think that you have to have read Gena’s the Alien Huntress series first. Gena does a good job of explaining the world. But I think if you did read them you would have a greater understanding of the world.

That being said I am on the fence about this book. I loved the setting, the idea, and a good majority of the characters. Solo & Vika are great together and apart. But I will admit that I was bored more than once while reading. Maybe I was tired. But there didn’t seem to be the same amount of action or sexual tension as I have found in past books of Gena’s. But overall I did enjoy. Really like the ending and the tension. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 25, 2012December 20, 2012

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

Books-n-Kisses would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!!!

December 25, 2012December 31, 2012

Release Day Tuesday 12.25.12

It’s Release Day!!!!

or re-release day

What are you getting this week?

Did I miss your favorite?

Send me an email and let me know of any upcoming releases you want featured on Tuesday’s Release day.

December 25, 2012December 22, 2012

Kimberly’s review of Fated by Carly Phillips

TITLE: Fated (Serendipity 1.75)
AUTHOR: Carly Phillips
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kate Andews is the original rebound girl. But she has had enough and has vowed to never be someone’s second choice again. Unfortunately, her undeniably intense desire for Nick Mancini is testing her best laid plans because Kate has carried a torch for Nick since high school– but she’s always been permanently in the friend zone.

Lately, Nick has definitely noticed Kate. Unfortunately he can’t get her to take him seriously. He knows he’s made some stupid moves in the past but he’s determined to get Kate to act on their obvious and mutual attraction. However Kate’s stubborn and she’s been hurt before, which means Nick will have to pull out all the stops in order to convince her he’s not the same boy she used to know, and she’s not second best… she’s everything.

REVIEW:
This is a very short but very sweet novella. It is only about 25 pages but worth the read. I have not read the rest of the Serendipity series (I want to though) so I was unsure if this would be confusing but it is not at all. Yes you can tell there is a full story about Faith and Ethan that involves Nick but this is such a sweet story that it doesn’t matter. You won’t be confused but you will be delighted to read it.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 25, 2012December 22, 2012

Jennifer’s review of Kissing Under The Mistletoe by Marina Adair

TITLE: Kissing Under the Mistletoe
AUTHOR: Marina Adair
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Regan Martin stopped believing in Christmas miracles six years ago when she lost everything–her house, her job, and her impeccable reputation in the wine industry–after she fell in love with a man she had no idea was married. Then Regan gets a chance for a fresh start in the Napa Valley, and she starts wondering if holiday wishes really do come true. But she soon tumbles back down to earth when she learns that her new boss is none other than Gabe DeLuca, the scorned wife’s brother. Gabe wants nothing more than home-wrecking Regan Martin out of his life, his sister’s world, and his family’s business. Mostly, he wants the lush beauty out of his head. Yet his attempts to run her out of town have him thinking twice, especially when he sees that Regan may hold the key to tracking down his sister’s stolen start-up capital. Even worse for Gabe, Regan might just be his Christmas wish and hold the key to his heart.

REVIEW:
This was a great little holiday romance for me. I connected to Regan’s character from the very beginning because all she wanted was a home for her daughter and to leave her past mistakes behind her. She regretted having an affair with a man that she had no idea was married until it was too late and Gabe DeLuca had been making her life miserable ever since to protect his sister, Abby, from ever meeting the “other woman.” I never understood why Gabe went to such great lengths to damage Regan’s reputation wherever she went. I could understand that he didn’t want them meeting but going out of his way to get her fired from jobs was just downright spiteful. I didn’t like his character for most of the book because of this and it wasn’t until almost the end, that I started to warm up to him. There were times in this book that I want to give him a swift kick in the butt but he made it up to Regan at the end. The ending of this book absolutely killed me and made me a crying mess and I loved every minute of that scene for Regan.

I recently found out that Marina is working on the third novel in this series and I can’t wait to spend more time with the delightful characters of St. Helena. The townspeople of St. Helena make this book even more fun especially the three Mrs. Clauses. Some of the things they did in this book still make me laugh thinking about them. I’m now curious as to which DeLuca family member will find love and happiness in the next installment.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 24, 2012December 24, 2012

An Extra Sweet Treat… Santa’s Executive by Carrie Ann Ryan

It was a close call between JANE’S GIFT by Karen Erickson and SANTA’S EXECUTIVE by Carrie Ann Ryan. Only one vote tipped Jane’s Gift into the lead. In the Christmas spirit Books-N-Kisses decided to feature Santa’s Executive as an extra sweet treat for you!

Welcome Carrie Ann! It was a close vote so we are happy you were able to join us as well.

Hi! Thanks for having me!

Why did you want to include a Christmas story as part of your Holiday, Montana series?

When I first came up with the idea of Holiday, Montana, I wanted each book to center around a different holiday—and of course, a sexy Cooper brother. I of course had to go with Halloween, Valentine’s Day and a couple others, but Christmas was the first one in my mind. It’s the one holiday a year I get off to celebrate with my family no matter what, so it’s a big deal.

Do you have a favorite holiday novel?

You know, I had a couple before this week, and now that I’ve read Jennifer Ashley’s A Mackenzie Family Christmas, I choose that one!

What is your favorite part of the holidays?

Presents! No, not really. My favorite part is just seeing my family and my in-laws again. We live so far away, that it’s nice to see them again.

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

Hmm…we moved around so much as kids, that I didn’t really have too many. But every year we get a box of chocolates under the tree. The only time of the year we’re allowed to indulge. I plan on continuing that tradition with my future kids. My husband is all for it!

What books do you have coming out soon?

Oh so many! BLURRED EXPECTATIONS (Redwood Pack Book 4.5) is a novella about Reed, Hannah, and Josh from TRINITY BOUND and that comes out early January. The third book in the Holiday, Montana series, FINDING ABIGAIL, comes out early February. I think you can guess what holiday that’s about. The fourth book in the series, HER LUCKY LOVE, comes out in March. Guess the holiday! I have a book a month coming out until July then a couple more after that. Yes, I’m a bit crazy.

Finally, What would you like to say to your fans that voted for your novel?

I’m so touched and humbled. I know this novel isn’t the normal “under-the-tree” romance and it’s a bit more fun, so I’m so happy that my readers enjoyed it!

THANK YOU and Happy Holidays!

Thanks Carrie Ann for joining us and Happy Holidays to you too!!!

Now some words from fans of Santa’s Executive!

Jacki C. says: I love Santa’s Executive. It is part of a great series by Carrie Ann Ryan. And, what’s not to love about the characters? Justin is a former bad boy who likes Christmas cookies, and Rina is a giant elf. Those touches of whimsy made the book even that much better!

Nicole G says: Definitely Santa’s Executive by Carrie Ann Ryan. A hot guy, a beautiful elf, cookies, and romance. Who could ask for more for Christmas. Definitely a different but refreshing take on a Christmas romance. Totally worth reading 🙂

Margie says: Santa’s Executive by Carrie Ann Ryan has my vote, sexy guy who loves sugar cookies, and a sexy elf what’s not to love?

Viviana says: Santa’s Executive has my vote! A great story filled with fun characters and part of a wonderful series! Carrie Ann truly captures the *spirit* of Christmas and captivates her readers with witty dialogue, sexy men (LOVE the Cooper brothers) and in this case a sweet, smart and spunky elf!

To reach Carrie Ann Ryan: Website | Facebook | Twitter

December 24, 2012December 20, 2012

Interview with Justin & Rina from Carrie Ann Ryan’s Santa’s Executive

A Character Interview with Justin and Rina

Hi All! I’m sitting here with my character for my latest release, Santa’s Executive. Justin and Rina are an adorably cute couple…just don’t tell Justin that since he’s a little touchy.

Justin: I heard that.

Carrie Ann: *coughs* Uh…sorry, totally didn’t know you were there.

Justin: *blinks* Sure.

Rina: *Laughs* oh, you’re a dork. But I love you anyway.

Justin: I’m a dork? Really? Well, that’s just wrong. I thought I was your sexy ex bad boy? Oh, and I love you too.

Rina: *blushes* Justin…

Carrie Ann: Okay then…let’s get started. Though by the look of you two, you already have. Okay, so tell me about your story.

Justin: Didn’t you write it?

Carrie Ann: *rolls eyes* Yes, but humor me. Tell the readers what your book is about.

Justin: Christmas and all that comes with it.

Rina: Oh, you’re a dork. Yes, I said it again. It’s about Justin’s new job as an executive and how I got to help him out. Oh, and how we fell in love.

Carrie Ann: See? That’s all I wanted, Justin. Okay, do you like your new powers, Justin?

Justin: They’re freaking weird, but I’m getting used to them. They were hard to control at first and I had a few scares, but Rina helped.

Rina: It’s my job.

Justin: *frames her face* It’s more than your job and you know it.

Carrie Ann: Awww. Okay, now for some fun questions. Rina, if you found out Justin had a side job in Magic Mike, what would you do?

Rina: Oh that sounds like a story idea!

Carrie Ann: I know right? Now answer the question.

Rina: Well, after I kicked his ass for dancing in front of all those women? See, elves can be territorial too. But I’d take him home and make sure he knew all those sexy moves were just for me.

Justin: You know they already are. Plus, I don’t like the idea of dancing around in a string. Sorry.

Carrie Ann: Well, us ladies can still imagine. Justin, what’s your favorite type of Christmas cookie? I know you love them since you’ve eaten about like 12 since we started.

Justin: *coughs* Only 4, and you know why I eat them. As for my favorite? The soft sugar ones with the thick frosting.

Carrie Ann: *mumbles must not eat cookies must not eat cookies* Okay, well, I love the two of you. You were so much fun to write and I hope everyone gets a chance to read Santa’s Executive!

A little about Carrie Ann:

Carrie Ann Ryan is a bestselling paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate – even if it’s just in her books. Happy endings are always near – even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.

Carrie Ann’s Redwood Pack series is an bestselling series that has made the shifter world even more real to her and has allowed the Dante’s Circle and Holiday, Montana series to be born. She’s also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She loves meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan |

Santa’s Executive

Justin Cooper wasn’t always the straight-laced Holiday Elementary School principal. In his youth, he broke all the rules and enjoyed being the bad Cooper brother. One Christmas Eve night he got a little too rowdy and things changed forever. Now the consequences of that fateful night have come back in full force and the myths of Christmas might be more real than he thought.

Rina Brewer is one of Santa’s elves. Not the tiny cute little toy maker, but the sexy, petite, energy filled bombshell kind. She’s come to Holiday to aid Justin in his new role as Santa’s executive, but as soon as she sees the sexy ex-bad boy, she realizes the job may be more than she bargained for.

As they work together to make this Christmas one to remember, an old foe has come to town to make sure that this holiday is the coldest yet.

Warning: Contains a perky elf who dreams of something more, a Christmas myth who may be a baddie, and a sexy ex-bad boy who craves Christmas cookies…and a certain perky blonde.

Excerpt:

It would be totally inappropriate to want him.

But, in reality, the connection between an assistant and their executive could be an intimate one if they let it. They were sharing magic, and sometimes a connection would hold. She hadn’t thought about that when she’d come down here. Honestly, she hadn’t thought much of anything. But, she couldn’t think of any of that now. No, she had work to do.

Plus, the object of her thoughts was staring at her with an intensity that threatened to send shivers of need down her body.

“Rina?” Justin’s deep voice caught her attention, and she wanted to moan. Fruitcake, she had to get off that track. “What’s wrong? Are you still cold?”

He pulled her closer and ran his hands up and down her arms. She almost closed her eyes and leaned into his touch but resisted. Barely.

“I’m fine, just warming up.” She pulled back from his arms and tried to ignore the sudden loss. “Are you ready to go?”

Giveaway

Carrie Ann is giving away a swag pack to a reader! Be sure to leave your email address!

December 24, 2012December 22, 2012

Kimberly’s review of What Happens At Christmas by Victoria Alexander

TITLE: What Happens At Christmas
AUTHOR: Victoria Alexander
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS

A blazing fire, an English country house … and the ultimate game of charades. In this charming holiday novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander, a beautiful widow finds her plan for a Christmas proposal going perfectly awry …
Camille, Lady Lydingham, knows precisely what she wants for Christmas—an official engagement to a handsome, dashing prince. Her very proper suitor expects a proper English family and the perfect Dickensian Christmas, which leaves the lovely widow with a slight problem. The last thing Camille wants is for the prince to meet her unconventional relatives. But with the aid of a troupe of actors, Camille intends to pull off a Christmas deception of massive proportions.

At least until Grayson Elliot shows up. A dozen years ago, he declared his love on the day before her marriage to another man, then vanished from her life. Now he’s back, gate-crashing Camille’s already chaotic house party, playing absolute havoc with her scheme—and with her heart. Because for Grayson, losing Camille once was quite bad enough. Losing her twice? Unthinkable. And he’ll find a way to show her they belong together—for this season, and every Christmas yet to come…:

REVIEW:
4 1/2 Stars If you enjoy historical romance then Victoria Alexander is probably already on your favorites list and this book will keep her right at the top of that list. No one can write historicals like Alexander can. She brings you right into the world of Lords and Ladies until you feel you are living in the wrong era.

I so enjoyed the characters of Camille and Grayson as well as the background players of this book.. and I do mean players. When Camille has set her sights on a prince who wants the Dickens version of Christmas Camille figures this is her chance to win him over and hires a troupe of actors to play her family who are away for the holidays. Then the unexpected happens the her one true love comes back after 11 years. And just when you think that is story enough the real family returns to celebrate Christmas, and so it keeps going on and Camille becomes unsure of her plan for Christmas and her plan for a prince.

I really enjoyed this holiday novel. While I will say it was a bit too long and could have been shortened some the story is engrossing, funny and sweet. As a fan of not only the genre but also of Alexander herself I expected this book to be good but having never read a holiday story from her I must say this book put me right into the holiday spirit. What a wonderful book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 24, 2012December 22, 2012

Kelly’s review of We’ll Be Home For Christmas by HelenKay Dimon

TITLE: We’ll Be Home for Christmas
AUTHOR: HelenKay Dimon
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No man likes having his bedroom skills described as forgettable, but that’s just what Lila Payne does when she runs into Spencer Thomas again. When she discovers that he’d lied about his name during their brief three-day romp a few months before, she’s so angry that she pretends she doesn’t remember him.

Spence regrets his deception, but not as much as he regrets that their time together didn’t last longer. When she shows up in his town, looking to revitalize her uncle’s mountain resort, Spence is determined to help. Maybe rescuing Lila from a hopeless renovation project will get him in her good graces—and back in her bed.

Lila has no interest in being rescued, and Spence is insulted by her stubborn rebuffs and her “faulty” memory. But when rehab work turns into an after-hours meeting, the two of them are in for a night that just might prove unforgettable

REVIEW:
This was a fun novella of two people who are looking for something more out of life. A chance encounter at a hotel, three blissful days together only to part ways. But funny thing about fate when you least expect it she throws you a curve ball.

Since this is a novella. I will just say that I loved this story and would suggest you pick up a copy.
Also this novella can be found in the Romancing the Holiday’s Anthology with 2 other wonderful Christmas novella’s

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 24, 2012December 24, 2012

The Favorite Holiday Romance Novel is… JANE’S GIFT by Karen Erickson

Books-N-Kisses is pleased to announce that Jane’s Gift by Karen Erickson was voted the favorite holiday romance for 2012. B-n-K is lucky to have spent a few minutes with Karen to talk about her book.

Welcome Karen! Congratulations on having Jane’s Gift picked as favorite holiday romance.

Why did you want to write a Christmas novel?

Oh, I love reading Christmas novels/novellas, etc. so I couldn’t resist writing them! In fact, I have a bunch of them I’ve written over the years, contemporary and some historical. I’ve gathered them all in one handy spot on my blog. That page is here: http://karenerickson.blogspot.com/p/bonus-features.html

What makes this holiday novel different than so many others?

Well, I believe if you’re a fan of the holiday novel, you’re looking for a certain similarity in all of them. The Christmas elements, families getting together, dealing either with a character’s absolute hate for the season or a character’s undying love for it. Falling in love or rekindling love during the Christmas season…ah, I love it!

I think what might make JANE’S GIFT different is that after dealing with a real tragedy, my heroine is determined to gain her life back fully. And she wants to make the holidays special for her children after they’ve lived through such sadness. Being in her hometown with her family helps. Finding a new man and falling in love with him really helps. *winks*

Do you have a favorite holiday novel?

That is such a TOUGH question. There are so many I love, so many new ones come out year after year! I can always count on Jill Shalvis releasing a wonderful holiday novella every year, whether it’s part of an anthology or on its own. The latest Lucky Harbor novella was cute.

What is your favorite part of the holidays?

Watching my children open their gifts on Christmas morning. Seeing all the excitement on their faces, how happy they are to get what they wanted — and they sometimes get those unexpected gifts too that they end up loving. Love that.

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

I always make frosted sugar cookies with the kids. My grandma did it with me and I’ve continued the tradition on. We make a complete mess but it’s so much fun and the kids are always so creative, it’s worth it.

What books do you have coming out soon?

2013 is going to be a big year for me, release-wise! I have a lot coming out, including GAME FOR MARRIAGE, which is coming out early in the year from Entangled’s Brazen line. I also have the final book in my Worth It series coming out February 5th from Samhain – WORTH EVERYTHING. Check out my coming soon page for more info: http://karenwritesromance.com/coming-soon/

Finally, what would you like to say to your fans that voted your story their favorite holiday novel?

I want them to know how much I appreciate their support of JANE’S GIFT — thank you to everyone!! I hope this book has touched those who read it as much as it touched me.

Happy Holidays!

Karen

Thank you Karen for spending some time with Books-N-Kisses and congratulations again!

Some of the fans of the novel had this to say about Jane’s Gift.

MichelleW says: I loved that both the hero and heroine were flawed, Jane physically after a fire killed her husband and left her scarred, and Christian was relationship shy (the playboy who didn’t want a woman with baggage). This was such a romantic story about overcoming grief, finding love again and daring to open up to new possibilities. This was a great Holiday read.

flchen1says: Jane’s Gift is such a romantic Christmas read! I love the characters and the healing and the reminder that love is a powerful gift, no matter what time of year!

Sandy T says: This is a touching story of woman who has gone through a terrible tragedy, but is able to find love again with a hero who although is not perfect is the man who brings her back to living a full life. I highly recommend this book.

Kati R says: Jane’s Gift by Karen Erickson. She had me at fire captain. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a man who runs towards fires to save lives. I love this book because it’s a different, more sensual side of Karen’s writing and small town romances are the new vampires 🙂

Want to become a fan of Karen’s? You can reach her at these sites: Website | Facebook | Twitter

December 23, 2012December 22, 2012